Paris 2024: ‘History has been made,’ declares Caitlin Parker; becomes first woman to win boxing medal for Australia at Olympics
Australia’s Caitlin Parker made history at the Paris 2024 boxing competition by becoming the first female boxer from her country to win an Olympic medal.
Parker, making her second appearance at the Summer Games, beat Khadija Mardi of Jordan by a 4:1 split decision in the women’s 75kg quarter-finals. The win assured the Aussie a medal.
In Olympic boxing, two bronze medals are awarded. The two losing semi-finalists each receive a bronze.
It was also the second Olympic medal confirmed by the Australian boxing contingent. Charlie Senior, competing in men’s 57kg, defeated Carlo Paalam of the Philippines in the quarter-finals to also secure a medal.
In the semi-finals, Caitlin Parker will be up against the People’s Republic of China’s top-seeded boxer Li Qian, who is the reigning Asian Games champion in the category.
Here, the 28-year-old Caitlin Parker shares her thoughts after the historic win on Sunday.
On her feelings after her fight.
Caitlin Parker: I have got every emotion going through me right now. It's a big relief to have done it and finally secure an Olympic medal. The first female from Australia to have an Olympic medal (in boxing). History has already been made.
And I get to try to make it gold with Charlie Senior. It's amazing. I'm still processing it, but to get my hand raised in the ring, oh my God. I wanted to go out there and show the world and Australia what I was capable of.
On facing taller opponents.
Caitlin Parker: I actually come across a lot of people that are usually a head or two taller than me. I'm used to being the shorter one, but I'm faster and more explosive. I can move, bring what I need to in the fight, adapt and change my tactics.
On being the first woman to get a boxing medal for Australia.
Caitlin Parker: I can't wait to call mum and dad and scream on the phone honestly. It's mind-blowing. Watching Charlie Senior secure our first medal yesterday (by winning his quarter-final), I was in absolute bloody tears, and then he came back to the Olympic Village and we just cried together.
It was just an incredible moment. That pumped me up so much and I felt that I had to bring everything (to her quarter-final), and I did that. I will probably not sleep tonight, just smiling and looking at the roof (laughs).
On whether she believes winning gold is possible.
Caitlin Parker: I've always believed that I can win the gold. I know what I'm capable of. I know I'm a sharp boxer, I'm smart and I know I can do it. I knew it for Tokyo 2020 but I just didn't bring out my game. I would do whatever it takes to win that gold.
On what she will do before her semi-final on 8 August.
Caitlin Parker: Celebrate for the next couple of hours and then refocus. I've already done my studies and tactics about my opponent from China (LI Qian), so I know what to expect. She's smart, but I'm smart too.
On having experience of these situations.
Caitlin Parker: Having done the Olympics before, I know what to expect on the big stage. And it's where I feel most alive, I feel ready. If you look at me in the corner, sometimes my eyes just widen. That's me. That's my life, on the line, where I have to throw everything I can.